October 21, 2020
All emergency grant funding that Oakland University received from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) has been disbursed to eligible students. A total of $6,898,412 in emergency grants was distributed among 11,504 students to help ease financial burdens brought about by the pandemic.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress in March and provided a total of $13,796,824 to Oakland University in higher education emergency relief funding. By law, half of the funds were to be distributed directly to students in the form of emergency grants to cover certain expenses related to unexpected financial needs due to the coronavirus pandemic. The grants were up to a maximum of $500 and do not need to be repaid.
In May, 10,850 Oakland University students were automatically selected (no application required) to receive an emergency grant of up to $500 for a total of $5.4 million. This initial group of students met the following criteria:
- Title IV aid eligible (2019-20 FAFSA)
- Registered for Winter 2020 in at least 1 credit hour as of March 13
- Not attending 100 percent online courses/program prior to March 13
In June, a second wave of funding was made available by application for students enrolled in summer and/or fall classes, which yielded an additional 2,194 awards for a total of $1,091,263 disbursed to students. The application process allowed some students registered for summer classes to receive a second award of up to $500.
In September, a third wave of funding was made available by application for students enrolled in summer and/or fall classes, which yielded an additional 765 awards for a total of $382,149 disbursed to students.
Students who need assistance with managing future semester finances should contact Student Financial Services at (248) 370-2550 to discuss options.